i used to love her

A proudly Black, Queer, and Academic musical written and composed by Janelle Lawrence.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary academia and grassroots activism, I Used to Love Her explores the delicate balance of personal evolution, systemic pressures, and the echoes of past romance. The story centers on Jahne, the 32-year-old Black Latinx lesbian CEO of Express It, a successful grassroots company dedicated to radical education for underserved communities. Jahne is celebrating a massive $100,000 corporate grant to expand her activism alongside her long-term partner, eX . eX is a 40-year-old, non-binary, masculine-leaning professor at Howard University who has just achieved a major milestone: being named Chair of the Gender Studies Department. While they appear to be a powerhouse couple living the "Black Queer American Dream," deep structural fractures begin to show. Jahne struggles to fully acknowledge eX's non-binary identity within her strictly defined "lesbian grassroots" platform , while eX keeps massive personal developments hidden—including an upcoming top surgery—vowing to only tell Jahne once it is officially scheduled. The foundation of their relationship is pushed to the brink when Dre, an Oscar-winning film producer and Jahne’s deeply captivating past lover, unexpectedly re-enters the picture. Dre arrives at Express It with an irresistible professional offer: a collaborative media project exploring the diversity of trans and masculine identity. As Jahne and Dre try to maintain professional boundaries, an undeniable, lingering romantic tension threatens to unearth buried secrets, forcing everyone involved to face who they have truly grown to be.

To ensure all audiences have a safe and comfortable experience, please note that I Used to Love Her includes the following thematic elements:

Mature Language & Dialogue: Features strong language, contemporary R&B/Rap flows, and mature dialogue regarding identity and relationships.

Exploration of Gender Identity & Transition: The narrative features deep discussions surrounding gender affirmation, including a character’s personal journey toward top surgery and navigating non-binary pronouns.

Romantic & Interpersonal Conflict: Depicts intense emotional stress, themes of past infidelity/relationship boundaries, and the lingering emotional fallout of past partners.

Cast & Creative Team
Writer/Composer: Janelle Lawrence
Director: Jean Carlo Yunén Aróstegui